Economic and financial section > Problem of nutrition

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and the necessary publicity that the courses shall benefit a wider public
and one more likely to derive advantage therefrom.
At the same time, the authorities are anxious to encourage in every
way the assistance given by outside bodies, such as the trade
organisations and centres of scientific research.
Dissemination of Information on Nutrition.
5. The rules of scientific nutrition cannot be applied unless
appropriate instruction is given, in the first place, to the housewives
of to-day and to-morrow, and, in the second place, to the various
categories of persons responsible for collective catering.
The dissemination of such knowledge, therefore, requires the
organisation of instruction in household management and also of
technical instruction.
Instruction in Household Management.
6. Instruction in household management is designed to supply
future housewives with the theoretical and practical knowledge
necessary to enable them to perform their various home duties.
Such instruction is given in a practical form both by the State and by
private organisations.
Public Education.
7. State instruction in household management is at present given in
the educational establishments under the authority of the Department
of Elementary Education, the Department of Secondary Education,
the Ministry of Agriculture and the Directorate-General of Technical
Education.
(a) Elementary Education. — 8. The Directorate of Elementary
Education has always been aware of the importance of domestic economy
teaching in the establishments under its control. The instructions of
June 20th, 1923, regarding the new syllabus of studies for elementary
schools include the following :
“ In girls’ schools instruction in household management should
occupy an important place. By combining the various classes included
in the syllabus, it is possible to devote one half-day each week to the
teaching of household management and kindred subjects.”
Or again :
“ School-mistresses are aware how important it is for the good of
France that its children should be preserved to it, intelligently looked
after, safeguarded and protected against disease. They should therefore
devote themselves wholeheartedly to the education of those who will
be the mothers of the future.”